Finding a treadmill that fits your apartment life can be hard. You need something that does not make too much noise, does not take up too much space, and still gives you a good workout. I have tested several of the most popular models to find out which ones truly work for apartment living. This guide will show you my results. I will help you find the perfect treadmill that lets you exercise without bothering your neighbors or cluttering your home.
How We Tested for Apartment Life
To find the best treadmills, I did not just look at the listed features. I set up a testing plan to see how each machine performs in situations that matter to you. My testing focused on the things that make or break a treadmill for apartment use.
I used each treadmill in a room set up to feel like a standard apartment. I paid close attention to the sound level at different speeds, from a slow walk to a full run. I felt for any vibration through the floor, as this is a common complaint from neighbors below. I also measured how much space each one used when open for a run and when folded up for storage. Finally, I checked how easy it was to move and store them.
Here is a table of the main things I tested and why they matter for you:
| What We Tested | Why It Matters | How We Checked |
| Noise and Vibration | A loud machine will disturb others in your building. | Listened to motor sound and footstep noise. Felt for floor shaking. |
| Size and Storage | You need to save space in a small home. | Measured dimensions when open and folded. Checked how easy it was to fold and move. |
| Comfort and Cushioning | Good cushioning protects your joints and makes less noise. | Ran on each deck to feel how it softened my steps. |
| Ease of Use | You should not struggle to start your workout. | Tested the controls, displays, and any special features. |
What to Know Before You Buy a Compact Treadmill
Before we look at the specific treadmills, it is important to understand a few key ideas. Knowing these terms will help you see why one model might be better for your home than another.
Footprint Versus Folded Size
The “footprint” is the floor space the treadmill uses when you are running on it. The “folded size” is how much space it takes when you put it away. Some treadmills just fold up, while others can be stood on their end. This can save a huge amount of space in a small apartment.
Cushioning Systems
Most good treadmills have a cushioned deck. This is a soft layer between your feet and the floor. It makes running more comfortable for your knees and ankles. Just as important, it helps to quiet the sound of your footsteps. This is a key feature for keeping your neighbors happy.
Motor Power
The motor is the heart of the treadmill. For apartments, you want a motor that is strong enough for your workouts but also quiet. A motor that strains to keep up will be louder. Think about whether you will mostly walk or if you plan to run. Running needs a more powerful motor.
What to Look For in an Apartment Treadmill
Based on my testing, here are the most important things to think about:
- Noise is Your Top Concern: The best treadmill for you is the one your neighbors never hear. Look for models that talk about quiet motors and good cushioning.
- Storage is Key: A treadmill you can’t store easily will become a clothes rack. Think about where you will put it when not in use. A model that folds vertically is often the best choice.
- Get the Right Size and Power: Be honest about your fitness plans. If you are a runner, you need a longer belt and a stronger motor. If you are a walker, you can choose a more compact and less powerful model.
Detailed Reviews of Our Top Picks
Now, let’s get into the details of each treadmill I tested. I will walk you through what I found, both the good and the not-so-good.
#1 Our Pick for Runners: NordicTrack T Series Treadmill
The NordicTrack T Series is built for people who are serious about running. It feels like a machine you would find in a gym, but it is designed to fold up and fit in your home.
- Maximum Speed: 12 Miles per Hour
- Maximum Incline: 12%
- Storage: Folds with a foot-pedal release
- Item Weight: 245 Pounds
- Key Feature: 10-inch tilting touchscreen with iFIT
My Hands-On Experience
Setting up the NordicTrack felt solid. It is a heavy machine, but it has wheels on the front so you can move it. The folding process is very simple. You press a bar with your foot, and the deck lifts slowly on its own. It is easy to do. When unfolded, the running belt is long and wide enough for comfortable running. I never felt cramped.
Testing the Key Features
How Does the Screen and iFIT Work?
The large 10-inch screen is the centerpiece. You can tilt it to avoid glare, which is a nice touch. The iFIT service offers thousands of workouts. During my test, I used the automatic control feature. The treadmill changed its own speed and incline based on the trainer’s commands. This is a fantastic way to get lost in a workout and forget you are in your apartment. It should be noted that the iFIT membership is a separate cost and is required for these automatic workouts.
Is It Too Powerful for an Apartment?
This is a strong machine. The motor can handle high speeds and the incline can make you run uphill. This is great for a challenging workout. However, at top speed, it does make more noise than smaller models. The cushioning is good, but the impact of fast running is still noticeable. I would recommend this for ground-floor apartments or buildings with very good sound insulation between floors. It is best for runners who have a dedicated corner for it, as it is large and heavy to move often.
Pros and Cons at a Glance
- Pros: Very powerful motor, large screen, automatic controls with iFIT, solid and stable feel.
- Cons: Heavy and bulky, can be loud at high speeds, iFIT membership is a required extra cost.
#2 The Best Space Saver: WalkingPad X Series Treadmill
The WalkingPad X Series takes a completely different approach. Its main goal is to disappear when you are not using it. This is the treadmill to choose if your space is extremely limited.
- Maximum Speed: 10 Miles per Hour
- Maximum Incline: None
- Storage: Unique vertical tri-fold design
- Item Weight: 104 Pounds
- Key Feature: Compact fold and rotary dial control
My Hands-On Experience
The first thing you notice is how light it is compared to the NordicTrack. The second thing is the clever design. Instead of folding up horizontally, it folds in three sections and can be stood upright against a wall. This saves an incredible amount of floor space. When stored, it takes up less room than a dining chair.
Testing the Key Features
How Much Space Does It Really Save?
I measured it. When open for running, it is about 61 inches long. When folded vertically, it is only about 40 inches tall and 30 inches wide. This means you can tuck it into a closet, behind a door, or in a narrow hallway. For small studios or apartments where every square foot counts, this is a massive advantage.
Is the Dial Control Better Than Buttons?
The treadmill uses a simple rotary dial to control speed. You turn it to go faster or slower. I found this to be very intuitive and responsive. It is easier to make small speed changes with a dial than by tapping a button repeatedly. This is especially useful for interval training where you change pace often.
What Are the Trade-Offs?
To achieve this amazing storage, you give up a few things. First, there is no incline setting. Your workouts are all on a flat surface. Second, the running belt is a bit narrower than on the NordicTrack. It is still wide enough for comfortable running, but it feels more compact. The motor is also less powerful, but it is very quiet. I found it to be one of the quietest models I tested, making it a great choice for any apartment, even on higher floors.
Pros and Cons at a Glance
- Pros: Unbeatable space-saving vertical storage, very quiet operation, simple and intuitive dial control.
- Cons: No incline capability, the running belt is narrower than on full-size models.
#3 The Smart Choice: Proform Carbon Treadmill
The Proform Carbon Treadmill is a direct competitor to the NordicTrack. It offers similar power and incline but focuses on different smart features to enhance your workout.
- Maximum Speed: 12 Miles per Hour
- Maximum Incline: 12%
- Storage: Folds with hydraulic assist
- Item Weight: 221 Pounds
- Key Feature: ActivePulse heart rate control
My Hands-On Experience
The Proform Carbon feels very similar to the NordicTrack in terms of build and stability. It is a solid, well-built machine. Folding it is also easy, using a hydraulic system that helps you lift the deck. It has a slightly smaller 7-inch display compared to the NordicTrack’s 10-inch screen.
Testing the Key Features
How Does the Cushioning Feel?
Proform uses what it calls “ProShox” cushioning. I made a point to run on this treadmill and the others back-to-back. The ProShox system felt very soft and absorbent. My footsteps felt quiet and gentle on my joints. This is a significant benefit for apartment living, as it reduces the thudding sound that can travel through floors.
What is ActivePulse and How Well Does It Work?
This is Proform’s standout feature. If you wear a compatible Bluetooth heart rate monitor, the treadmill can use your heart rate to automatically adjust your workout. If your heart rate gets too high, it might lower the speed or incline. I tested this, and it works as promised. It creates a very smart, hands-free workout that is tailored to your body’s response. This requires a Proform membership, which is an additional cost.
Is This a Good Value?
The Proform Carbon offers a top-end workout experience. The cushioning is excellent for noise and comfort, and the ActivePulse technology is unique. It is a strong choice for someone who wants a smart, automated workout and is very concerned about joint impact and noise.
Pros and Cons at a Glance
- Pros: Excellent ProShox cushioning for quiet operation, innovative ActivePulse heart rate training, strong motor for running.
- Cons: Smaller display screen, membership required for best features.
Horizon Fitness T101 Connect Treadmill
Not everyone wants a large screen or a subscription service. The Horizon Fitness T101 Connect is for those who want a simple, reliable, and quiet machine that gets the job done without any fuss.
- Maximum Speed: 10 Miles per Hour
- Maximum Incline: 10%
- Storage: Standard foldable design
- Item Weight: 180 Pounds
- Key Feature: Bluetooth for apps and dial controls
My Hands-On Experience
This treadmill feels straightforward and well-made. It is lighter than the NordicTrack and Proform, which makes it a bit easier to move around. The frame is solid, and it does not feel cheap. When you run on it, you notice its simplicity. There is no large touchscreen, just a basic display and two large dials.
How Quiet is the Motor Really?
Horizon Fitness markets this machine with a “Quiet Motor.” I tested this claim carefully. I used it at different speeds, from a walk to a run, and compared the sound to the other models. The motor produces a consistent, low hum that is noticeably quiet. It is not silent, but it is one of the least intrusive motor sounds I encountered. This makes it a very safe choice for apartments where noise is a top worry.
Are the Dial Controls a Better Design?
Instead of buttons for speed and incline, the T101 uses two large dials. You turn the left dial for speed and the right for incline. This is a brilliant design. It is much faster and more intuitive than tapping a button multiple times. If you are doing a workout where you change pace often, these dials are a huge advantage. It makes the workout feel more responsive.
What Are the Limits?
The T101 is a workhorse, but it is not a luxury model. The console is basic. It can connect to fitness apps like Peloton via Bluetooth, but you will need to use your own tablet or phone on the device shelf. The maximum speed of 10 MPH is enough for jogging and interval running, but it may not be enough for serious sprint training. For most people, however, it is perfectly sufficient.
Pros and Cons at a Glance
- Pros: Very quiet motor, intuitive and fast dial controls, stable build for its weight.
- Cons: Basic console without a built-in screen, lower top speed than premium models.
The Best Budget Walking Pad: Acezoe Treadmill with Incline
The Acezoe is in a different category. It is a “walking pad,” which means it is low to the ground, very lightweight, and perfect for walking while you watch TV or even work at a standing desk.
- Maximum Speed: 6.2 Miles per Hour
- Maximum Incline: 10% Manual Incline
- Storage: Slim, fold-flat design
- Item Weight: 52 Pounds
- Key Feature: Extremely portable and affordable
My Hands-On Experience
Unboxing the Acezoe was simple. It requires no assembly, which is a big plus. Its low profile is immediately obvious. It is only about 5 inches tall when folded. It is also very light, and the built-in wheels make it effortless to move around. You can easily slide it under a sofa or a bed.
Testing the Key Features
Can It Really Fit Under a Sofa?
Yes, absolutely. I measured its height, and it easily slid under my couch. This is its biggest selling point for tiny apartments. When you are done, it practically disappears. This level of storage convenience is unmatched by any other treadmill I tested.
How Does the Manual Incline Work?
For a machine at this price, having an incline is a great feature. You manually adjust the height of the front poles to set the incline. It is a simple process that takes a moment. This incline adds intensity to your walking workouts, helping you burn more calories.
What is the Catch?
The Acezoe has clear limits. Its motor is not made for running. The top speed of 6.2 MPH is a very fast walk or a light jog. The running belt is also shorter and narrower than on full-sized treadmills. It is designed for walking. If you try to run on it, you may find it unstable and the belt may feel too short. It is also louder than the more expensive models when used at its top speed.
Pros and Cons at a Glance
- Pros: Extremely affordable, stores under furniture, very lightweight and portable, includes a manual incline.
- Cons: Not suitable for running, can be noisy at higher speeds, shorter belt for walking only.
Head-to-Head Treadmill Comparisons
Now that you have seen the details, let’s compare them directly. This will help you decide between similar models.
NordicTrack T Series vs. Proform Carbon Treadmill
These two treadmills are very close competitors. Both have a 12 MPH speed, 12% incline, and require a membership for full features.
- The Main Difference: The key difference is in their smart technology. The NordicTrack focuses on a large, immersive screen with global workouts. The Proform focuses on your body’s response with its ActivePulse heart rate control.
- Cushioning: The Proform’s ProShox cushioning felt slightly softer and quieter underfoot than the NordicTrack’s system.
- Screen: The NordicTrack’s 10-inch screen is larger and can tilt, which is better for following along with workouts.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Choose the NordicTrack T Series if you want a cinematic, immersive fitness experience and love following trainer-led videos on a big screen.
- Choose the Proform Carbon Treadmill if you are data-driven and want your treadmill to automatically adjust to your heart rate for maximally efficient training.
WalkingPad X Series vs. Acezoe Walking Pad
Both of these models prioritize saving space, but they do it for different types of users.
- The Main Difference: Performance and price. The WalkingPad X25 is a performance machine that can handle running and folds vertically. The Acezoe is a walking-only machine that stores flat under furniture.
- Speed and Power: The WalkingPad has a much stronger motor, supporting speeds up to 10 MPH for running. The Acezoe maxes out at a fast walk or light jog.
- Storage: The Acezoe wins on sheer slimness, sliding under a sofa. The WalkingPad wins on overall space efficiency with its vertical stand, but it needs wall space.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Choose the WalkingPad X Series if you are a runner or serious jogger who needs to save a massive amount of floor space.
- Choose the Acezoe if you are a walker on a tight budget and your main goal is to have a treadmill that completely disappears under your furniture.
Your Best Compact Treadmill
After testing all of these models in an apartment setting, I can give you a clear final answer. The best treadmill depends on your specific needs, but one model stands out for the most people.
If you are a runner and have a dedicated space for your equipment, the NordicTrack T Series is the best choice. Its powerful motor, high incline, and large screen provide a true gym-quality experience at home. It is built to last and can handle intense daily runs.
If your top priority is saving space and you still want to run, the WalkingPad X Series is the undeniable winner. Its unique vertical fold solves the biggest problem of apartment treadmills. It offers a very good running experience and then literally stands it out of the way. For most apartment dwellers, this is the most practical and intelligent solution.
For the smartest workouts that adapt to your body, the Proform Carbon Treadmill is fantastic. Its ActivePulse technology is a real game-changer, and its cushioning is the best for reducing noise and impact.
If you want a simple, quiet, and reliable machine without subscriptions, the Horizon Fitness T101 Connect is a perfect fit. It does the core job of being a treadmill exceptionally well without any distractions.
Finally, if you are a walker on a budget, the Acezoe provides incredible value. It lets you walk daily and then hide it away, which is a huge benefit for small spaces.
No matter your choice, you can be confident that each of these treadmills has been tested for the real challenges of apartment living. The best one for you is the one that fits your space, your workout style, and your life.
